Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008
Elegant and Economical Holiday Party Planning
By Rebecca Homitz
For Weekly Surge
The holiday season is kicking into high gear and with the economy in the pits, throwing a memorable holiday bash doesn't have to suck up all your cash. There are some great cheap and chic ways for toasting the holiday season with a party for family and friends.
Half the battle of throwing a great party is the planning. Knowing your details ahead of time will prevent hosting-born stress, as well as save you money in the long run. We'll break down the basics for creating an economical but elegant holiday party.
INVITATIONS
Your invitations will set the mood for the bash you intend to throw. Choosing a theme keeps it creative and will put you on your friends' must-attend list. We recommend www.evite.com, which offers a unique, tech savvy way for today's socialite to set the scene, and best of all- it's free. Simply log on and click on "create an invitation'' to send email invites to guests. It's super simple and easy to use. There are numerous templates available for any occasion, or you can opt for a more personal touch by creating your own invitation. There is also ample space for creating a one-of-a-kind message, a menu for asking guests to bring select items, adding an end time to the party (if you plan to have an open house), as well as an option to add a map for those friends who are directionally challenged. Just remember, proper etiquette dictates that invitations should be sent two weeks prior to the event.
DECOR
Once the type of party is established and the invites are out, it's time to transform your pad into an ultra rich holiday party-land. Finding deals on décor is easy if you know where to shop. Old Time Pottery located near Surfside Beach is a warehouse-style store that has a wide assortment of décor, stemware, table linens, floral, candles, outdoor items and more, available at low prices.
Greet your guests in style with lighted garland around the door - grab a 9-inch Pre-lit Noble Fur Garland ($9.99) and add a raffia bow or poinsettia's for a holiday trim. Set a table for the party and dress it with white or red linens, cut sprigs from a Berry and Pine Bush ($4.99), and add a bunch of tea lights in clear votives to add a touch of dimension. Or for a glitzier look, cut thick, glossy Christmas wrapping paper or cotton fabric pieces and line platters for food. Buy a large Glass Hurricane ($3.99) for a festive centerpiece and fill it with the same-color Glass Bulb Ornaments ($2.99 for 12) and finish the look with bits of tinsel around the table.
Old Time Pottery is also a great place to stock up on simple but sturdy tableware and stemware. Numerous shapes, sizes and name brand platters range from $4.99-$12.99 each. An assortment of stemware for water, wine, champagne, and martinis and more are available from $.99-$2.99 each, as well as various sized votive holders from $.50-$1.99.
Adding small touches such as candy cane filled bowls, mistletoe hanging from an opportunistic doorway, and tying large fabric bows on chairs can create a festive flair as well. Music will also set the mood - give your soiree a boost with traditional festive favorites as well as classic foot-tapping tunes.
FOOD
Serving hor'dourves versus a sit-down dinner will always be a cheaper, easier affair. Simple finger foods will be easy to refill, will look inviting set out in buffet-style, and soak up some of those cheery cocktails. It will also allow you plenty of mingle and jingle time with your guests.
Crowd-pleasing favorites include a four-way vegetable tray with a spicy dip, a cheese and fruit tray (try to choose kinds that will compliment the wine on hand) mixed with crackers, bruschetta, deviled eggs, spinach puffs, sweet and sour meatballs, pecan brownies and classic Christmas cookies.
Recipes for these snacks, ideas, and more can be found at www.foodnetwork.com. There are great and unique recipes specifically for holiday parties, as well as cheap and fast recipes compiled by some of the Food Network's most famous chefs.
DRINKS
Setting up a full bar will eat a huge chunk of your party budget, but if alcohol is a must, keep the masses happy by featuring a cocktail. There are tons of yummy, holiday inspired drink recipes available for the sipping. Log onto to www.thatsthespirit.com, which features more than 3,000 cocktails. Brush up on your bartending skills and skim the Christmas cocktail section for treats such as the Candy Cane Martini or a Christmas Cosmo. Eggnog and hot drink recipes are available as well.
Ice (about a pound per person), beer, soda, water, and wine are also must-haves. Unsure of what kind of vino to buy? Grab large bottles of a white and red in classic winter choices like White Merlot, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir to keep thirsty partygoers happy. Investing in glass charms will aid boozy guests in keeping an eye on their glass.
FAVORS
When all the fun is said and done, don't let your friends leave empty handed. Provide them with a piece of the fun to take home with them. Snap Polaroid pictures throughout the night, hole-punch the corner, and tie them to a candy cane. Not a photographer? Buy some bulk bulb ornaments and personalize them with guest's names, or wrap up some Christmas cookies to go.
However, whatever your budget or culinary skills, the key to successful elegant and economical entertaining is you - the host. Make your guests feel welcomed and wanted in your home, and the rest will fall into place.
Old Time Pottery is located at 1870 U.S. 17 N., Surfside Beach. Call 238-0919 or visit www.oldtimepottery.com.